Artist of the day: Tallhart

“Likable” may not be the most cherished description in rock 'n’ roll. For Tampa quartet Tallhart, though, it’s been key to a quick rise from local favorite to national act.

“All the bars around Tampa, I feel, tried their best to put us on shows that would get us in front of audiences,” says singer-lyricist Matt Segallos. “The media have been really kind to us, and we’re really appreciative,” he adds.

That good will has helped the band survive, and even thrive, despite a forced name change — previous moniker Marksmen had been copyrighted by another band.

In fact, since the name change, the band has vaulted into the big leagues, signing with Rory Records, an imprint of punk and alternative label Equal Vision. Tallhart is the first band signed to Rory, a label founded by Say Anything’s Max Bemis.